The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Sampler \Sam"pler\, n. [See Exampler, Exemplar.]
   1. One who makes up samples for inspection; one who examines
      samples, or by samples; as, a wool sampler.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A pattern; a specimen; especially, a collection of
      needlework patterns, as letters, borders, etc., to be used
      as samples, or to display the skill of the worker.
      [1913 Webster]

            Susie dear, bring your sampler and Mrs. Schumann
            will show you how to make that W you bothered over.
                                                  --E. E. Hale.
      [1913 Webster] Samshoo

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

sampler
    n 1: an observation station that is set up to make sample
         observations of something [syn: sampling station,
         sampler]
    2: someone who samples food or drink for its quality [syn:
       taster, taste tester, taste-tester, sampler]
    3: an assortment of various samples; "a candy sampler"; "a
       sampler of French poets"
    4: a piece of embroidery demonstrating skill with various
       stitches